Hats off to South Australia’s 900,000 volunteers today

Wednesday 05 December 2018

The State Government is shining a light on the 906,000 South Australians who volunteer their time to the community today, United Nations International Volunteer Day (IVD), celebrated annually on December 5.

South Australia boasts one of the highest volunteer rates in Australia, bolstered further by the Liberal Government’s recent removal of all fees associated with volunteer screening clearances.

Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the efforts of South Australian volunteers contributes to an estimated 1.73 million volunteer hours per week, benefiting the whole community.

“Today, I would like to take the opportunity to thank our wonderful volunteers and recognise the significant contribution they make to the economic and social well-being of our communities,” said Minister Lensink.

“I’m also thrilled that it’s even easier for South Australians to put their hands up to help the community, since the Liberal Government abolished all volunteering screening clearance fees on November 1 this year.

“Removing the costs associated with screening clearances recognises the important contribution volunteers make and makes it easier for people to volunteer.”

“The app is the first volunteering app of its kind in the world, with hundreds of volunteer opportunities available on the app at any time,” said Minister Lensink.

“It was a joint SA Government and Volunteering SA&NT initiative that has seen more than 3,500 people download it since its launch – connecting volunteers to those organisations in need in a matter of minutes.”

The ‘WeDo’ app is available via the iTunes App Store, or on Google Play.

In 2018, International Volunteer Day is themed “Volunteers build resilient communities”, with a special focus on local community volunteers who contribute to making their communities more resilient.